The soaring temperatures in the UAE keep drivers alerted against harsh summer weather and that their cars are ready to handle the demands of the heat. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched an awareness campaign for the season, pointing motorists to check their cars and maintain important parts such as tyres, air-conditioning systems, and coolant levels to reduce the risk of getting stranded on the roadside and being involved in a road accident. The initiative is designed “to help encourage proactive car maintenance before motorists embark on their daily commutes or long trips this summer,” and is part of the Ministry of Interior’s annual Safe Summer campaign.
In hot and humid conditions, the RTA noted that vehicles can be affected due to strain on cooling systems, the high pressure on tyres and the elevated temperatures on vital mechanical parts such as tyres and moving components. The campaign will be rolled out using billboards, digital displays at Customer Happiness Centres, smart applications as well as social media channels throughout Dubai, said Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency. The safety messages presented by the campaign are meant to get their attention throughout the campaign to help prevent sudden roadside break down, and traffic collisions, he said, by providing a number of safety ideas and suggestions to drivers that include regularly checking their vehicle and safety assessments of tyres.
The messages remind drivers to monitor the performance of their cars and the states of their tyres regularly, thereby reducing the number of times they break down on the road or come to a stop without warning, which could result in major traffic-related accidents, Al Khzaimy said. Student awareness activities will also be targeted during the summer, both at student summer centres and at a number of summer activities throughout the emirate.
Daily Vehicle Checks Recommended
The authority urged FMCGSA personnel to routinely inspect vehicles for basic safety gear. You should regularly check:
- Tyre condition and tyre pressure
- Engine oil levels
- Radiator coolant levels
When moisture or oil stains are present beneath the vehicle, it is generally a sign of a leakage. Officials said it is just as crucial for people to have properly working air-conditioning systems when the weather is very hot in the summer months, so that they can stay cool and focused as they drive. The RTA added that tyres should be inspected regularly as excessive temperatures can pose the risk of tyre failure. Vehicle operators are encouraged to check for bulges, bald spots or other signs of wear or damage, and keep tyres inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Additionally, it is recommended that drivers routinely check their braking systems and take out worn or broken parts as needed.
Keep Vehicles Clean and Park in Shade
The RTA also advised regular cleaning of the vehicle as this helps identify any potential leaks early as well as other mechanical problems. Drivers should also be sure to have clear windscreens, rear window, mirrors, and lights in the vehicle for maximum visibility while on the road. Authorities urged motorists to park elsewhere if they can, or to avoid parking their vehicles in the direct sunlight for too long to minimise heat exposure.
RTA Warns Against Leaving Children in Vehicles
For the occasion, RTA sent a salient message to parents and caregivers warning of the risk involved with leaving children in parked cars. Risk inside the vehicle will quickly increase even within a few minutes of being enclosed in vehicles, even if the outside weather conditions seem pleasant, warned Al Khzaimy.
He stressed that the temperature of the air-conditioning systems do not in themselves provide sufficient protection in a totally closed vehicle. He pointed out that it is “absolutely never” that children should be left in a car under any circumstances, even for brief periods. More education of the community is one of the best means to prevent avoidable tragedies this summer, the official added. As summer approaches, police and relevant bodies are reminding UAE citizens to focus on car maintenance and safety on the road during the season to maintain safer roads across the UAE.
